HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024 04 02 Joint Planning Commission Minutes WS & PHJoint Springfield & Lane County
Planning Commission Minutes – April 2nd, 2024
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Springfield & Lane County Planning Commissions
Minutes for Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024
Work Session 6:00 pm
Meeting held in Jesse Maine Room (City Hall) and via Zoom
Springfield Planning Commissioners Present: Chair Rhoads-Dey, Vice Chair Buck, Stout, Webber,
and Schmunk
Excused Absence: Salazar, Thompson
Lane County Planning Commissioners Present: Chair Choate, Kashinsky, Dignam, Hankes, Lay
Absent: Peacock, Wihtol, Snider, Hadley
Springfield Staff: Sandy Belson, Comprehensive Planning Manager; Sarah Weaver, Planning
Commission Assistant; Kristina Kraaz, Assistant City Attorney; Monica Sather, Comprehensive
Planner; Drew Larson, Senior Transportation Planner; Allie Camp, Economic Development
Manager
Lane County Staff: Lindsey Eichner, Assistant Planning Director; Jared Bauder, Senior Planner
Willamalane (Applicant) Staff: and Representatives: Michael Wargo, Executive Director; Eric
Adams, Planning Parks & Facilities Director; Kenny Weigandt, Community Engagement Director;
Jackie Rochefort, Planning and Natural Resources Manager; Kristina Boe, Senior Planner; Colin
McArthur, Willamalane Consultant
Chair Rhoads-Dey called the Work Session to order at 6:00 p.m.
Chair Choate called the Work Session to order at 6:01 p.m.
Item(s):
• Willamalane 2023 Park & Recreation Comprehensive Plan
Springfield staff: Monica Sather, Comprehensive Planner
Lane County staff: Jared Bauder, Senior Planner
45 Minutes
Monica Sather / Springfield Staff, Jared Bauder / Lane County staff: gave a PowerPoint
presentation on the Willamalane 2023 Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan (“2023 Plan,”
“Plan”). Described the overall purpose of the plan, explained the scope of the land use planning
actions needed to adopt the 2023 Plan, and referenced the relevant criteria of approval for
amending the Eugene-Springfield Metropolitain Area General plan and adopting the 2023 Plan
Attest by S. Weaver
May 7th, 2024
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Planning Commission Minutes – April 2nd, 2024
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as the Recreation Element of the Springfield Comprehensive Plan. Those actions require joint
considerations by the Planning Commissions (and ultimately joint adoption by City Council and
the Lane County Board of County Commissioners).
Jared explained that since two of Willamalane’s properties, Harvest Landing and Thurston Hills
Natural Area, are outside of Springfield’s Urban Growth Boundary and solely within Lane
County’s land use jurisdiction ,they require separate consideration by the Lane County Planning
Commission and action by the Lane County Board of County Commissioners to adopt
Willamalane’s Comprehensive Plan as a special purpose plan within Lane County’s Rural
Comprehensive Plan. This is accomplished by adding a minor text amendment to Lane Code
16.400(4)(b) Special Purpose Plan as presented in the PowerPoint slides. The codified list is the
appropriate place to note Willamalane’s 2023 Plan as opposed to the limited examples listed in
the Rural Comprehensive Plan document. Given Willamalane’s application meets the applicable
approval criteria, staff will recommend that the Planning Commission approve the Willamalane
2023 Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan during the Public Hearing at 7:00 p.m.
Michael Wargo / Willamalane Staff: Thanked the Commissions for the opportunity to speak this
evening, gave broader context of the need for the 2023 Plan, and gave a brief presentation on
the update to the Willamalane Comprehensive Plan. The proposed Plan was approved
unanimously by the Board of Directors in 2023. He confirmed that while it has been approved,
there remains a flexibility to amend the 2023 Plan, if deemed necessary. Expressed gratitude
for Willamalane’s collaboration with the City and Lane County.
Kristina Boe / Willamalane Staff: gave a PowerPoint presentation to provide an overview of the
purpose of Willamalane’s comprehensive planning efforts, the planning process (e.g.,
community engagement, other analysis, results from the needs assessment), and the outcomes
resulting from it. Reminded the Commission that Willamalane last attended a Planning
Commission meeting in 2022 to share findings from the Community Needs Assessment.
Questions from the Commissioners:
Lane County Chair Choate: Were there any significant changes from Willamalane’s presentation
given to the Commissioners during the November 2022 work session about the Needs
Assessment?
Kristina Boe / Willamalane Staff: When Willamalane presented the Needs Assessment analysis
last year, the findings had not yet been completed. They are included in tonight’s packet. The
presentation last year was focused on the Committee for Citizen Involvement presentation and
its results, from which the key strategies, goals, and capital project list were developed.
Springfield Vice Chair Buck: Appreciated the interactions with Willamalane and opportunities to
see progress as the Plan has been developed throughout the project. As the State has given
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Planning Commission Minutes – April 2nd, 2024
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municipalities aggressive housing goals, were we able to incorporate these mandates in the
Comprehensive Plan?
Eric Adams / Willamalane Staff: With respect to increasing housing opportunities through infill
and in light of the State’s Climate-Friendly and Equitable Communities Rules, the consultants
took anticipated population growth into consideration as well as the geographical distribution
of the projects over the 10 – 20-year planning period. Willamalane has a mixed approach of
adding new parks along with being mindful of upkeep and improvements as well as upgrades of
current park stock.
Commissioner Schmunk: Table A2-5 of Exhibit A page 149 of 325 # 9 in the packet talks about
goals and what is applicable. Given that System Development Charges (SDCs) and general
obligation bonds are a huge barrier to housing, why does the 2023 Plan not address that?
Monica Sather / Springfield Staff: The Staff Report was prepared after Exhibit A had been
created. The staff report made additional findings as to housing beyond Exhibit A and found
consistencies with regard to population needs, land availability, and coordinated planning
efforts but did not explicitly address affordability.
Commissioner Schmunk: expressed appreciation and use of Willamalane parks beginning at a
young age, enjoyment of festivals, commended the great park system and great job
Willamalane is doing. Further clarified interest in understanding why a discussion about housing
did not seem relevant or important to the 2023 Plan based on the information presented in
Table A2-5.
Eric Adams / Willamalane Staff: It is his understanding that the City is responsible for ensuring
an adequate supply of developable land for housing and the mixture of housing stock meets the
needs of population growth projections. The projections are based on a distribution of different
unit types to meet workforce housing and other population demographics. Willamalane is
aware of the cost implications of its revenue streams on the delivery of housing types and the
number of housing types within the community. As it relates to fulfilling all aspects of Goal 10
as part of Willamalane’s 2023 Plan, that is a separate matter that falls outside of the
Comprehensive Plan Amendment process. Willamalane is currently updating its SDCs and
affordability is one of the criteria being addressed.
Michael Wargo / Willamalane Staff: confirmed that they are meeting with TEAM Springfield,
City staff, and community stakeholders to ensure that their SDC fees are in alignment with the
City’s SDC fees and they are updating their funding methodology to address affordability issues.
Kristina Kraaz / Springfield Staff: pointed out that there is an error in Exhibit A A2-5 table:
Statewide Goal #9 is Economic Development and Goal # 10 is Housing. For the record, the
current discussion is focused on Statewide Goal #10.
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Springfield Chair Rhoads-Dey: Is the funding plan included in the packet based on current SDC
fees or future SDC fees? After potential adoption of this Comprehensive Plan, will the
Commission have the opportunity to get into more detail about the funding sources to achieve
its goals? Is the funding plan something that will be deliberated by Springfield City Council or
does Springfield Council approve the Comprehensive Plan and Willamalane independently
creates their own funding plan?
Kristina Boe / Willamalane Staff: The project list will be integrated into the updated SDC
methodology. The project list in the packet reflects the last SDC methodology. The
Comprehensive Plan presented tonight is Willamalane’s vision for the future and once adopted,
the funding strategies are adopted by Willamalane’s Board of Directors.
Michael Wargo / Willamalane Staff: The Comprehensive Plan is based on the needs of the
community and what the cost could be. Then it is up to the Willamalane Board to determine
the fee schedules and other funding sources to realize the Plan. The SDCs have a limited
dedicated use, which addresses the impact of new developments. He reminded the
Commissioners that the funding strategies adopted by Willamalane’s Board of Directors goes
through a public process to involve the community in establishing the resources to realize their
plan and that the 2023 Plan includes several funding strategies beyond SDCs to deliver services.
Jackie Rochefort / Willamalane Staff: added that the prices in the Plan are based on post-
pandemic prices, which represents an unprecedented 25% to 30% increase with regard to
materials and labor.
Springfield Vice Chair Buck: Aside from funding, what challenges does Willamalane foresee in
realizing the proposed plan?
Kristina Boe / Willamalane Staff: The Plan includes many, many projects, likely more than
Willamalane can realistically accomplish given the timeframe. They intend to make as much
progress as possible with the limited resources at their disposal and work toward prioritizing
the projects accordingly.
Michael Wargo / Willamalane Staff: The key will be to prioritize what the community has told
us are important. In doing so through upgrades or identification of new projects, the goal will
be to keep programs affordable while operating to a high standard.
Springfield Chair Rhoads-Dey adjourned the Work Session.
Lane County Chair Choate adjourned the Work Session.
Springfield & Lane County Planning Commissions
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Regular Session 7:00 pm
Chair Rhoads-Dey called the Public Hearing to order at 7:00 p.m.
Chair Choate called the Public Hearing to order at 7:01 p.m.
Springfield Planning Commissioners Present: Chair Rhoads-Dey, Vice Chair Buck, Stout, Webber,
and Schmunk
Excused Absence: Salazar and Thompson
Lane County Planning Commissioners Present: Chair Choate, Kashinsky, Dignam, Hankes, Lay
Absent: Peacock, Wihtol, Snider, Hadley
Springfield Staff: Sandy Belson, Comprehensive Planning Manager; Sarah Weaver, Planning
Commission Assistant; Kristina Kraaz, Assistant City Attorney; Monica Sather, Comprehensive
Planner; Haley Campbell, Senior Planner; Chelsea Hartman, Senior Planner; Drew Larson, Senior
Transportation Planner
Lane County Staff: Lindsey Eichner, Assistant Planning Director; Jared Bauder, Senior Planner
Willamalane (Applicant) Staff and Representatives: Michael Wargo, Executive Director; Eric
Adams, Planning Parks & Facilities Director; Kenny Weigandt, Community Engagement Director;
Jackie Rochefort, Planning and Natural Resources Manager; Kristina Boe, Senior Planner; Colin
McArthur, Willamalane Consultant
Item(s):
• Willamalane 2023 Park & Recreation Comprehensive Plan
Springfield staff: Monica Sather, Comprehensive Planner
Lane County staff: Jared Bauder, Senior Planner
25 Minutes
1 – Explanation of procedural requirements
Chair Rhoads-Dey welcomed the Commissioners and audience to the Joint Public Hearing,
outlined the role of the Planning Commission and its Commissioners, explained hearing
procedures, and specified the criteria applicable to the Planning Commissions’ joint
considerations. Stated the applicable criteria for the Public Hearing Item are: Springfield
Development Code – Section 5.14.135. In general, the approval criteria require that any plan
amendments must be consistent with the applicable Statewide Planning Goals, the Metro Plan,
and the Springfield Comprehensive Plan.
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Lane County Chair Choate: Lane County Chair Choate further clarified the process to speak for
any members of the public phoning in. Described the nature of the amendments specifically
applicable to Lane County. Stated the applicable criteria for the Public Hearing Item are:
12.300.030 (Metro Plan Amendment Criteria); Statewide Planning Goals for the elements of the
project requiring co-adoption; and Lane Code 16.400 (Rural Comprehensive Plan Amendments)
including compliance with the Statewide Planning Goals and Rural Comprehensive Plan Policies
for adoption of Willamalane’s Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan as a Special Purpose
Plan of the Rural Comprehensive Plan.
2 – Open the hearing
Springfield Chair Rhoads-Dey introduced staff.: called for a statement of actual or potential
conflict of interest from the Springfield Planning Commissioners:
Chair Rhoads-Dey: stated that he had a potential conflict of interest since he is a realtor and
property owner in the area.
Vice Chair Buck: stated that he had a couple of potential conflicts of interest since he serves on
the Willamalane Budget Committee, is a home and property owner in Springfield, and is an
insurance agent with business in the area.
Commissioner Schmunk: stated he has no bias or undisclosed conflicts.
Commissioner Stout: stated that he had no potential conflicts of interest.
Commissioner Webber: stated he had no potential conflicts of interest.
Lane County Chair Choate: called for a statement of actual or potential conflict of interest from
the Lane County Planning Commissioners:
Chair Choate: has a potential conflict of interest since he works for Jerry’s Home Improvement,
which has a store in Springfield.
Commissioner Kashinsky – None
Commissioner Dignam – None
Commissioner Hankes: stated that she has a potential conflict of interest as a property owner in
Springfield that her agency does management for.
Commissioner Lay – None
3 – Staff report
•
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Monica Sather / Springfield Staff, Jared Bauder / Lane County staff: Described the overall
purpose of the plan, explained the scope of the land use planning actions needed to adopt the
2023 Plan, and referenced the relevant criteria of approval for amending the Eugene-Springfield
Metropolitain Area General plan and adopting the 2023 Plan as the Recreation Element of the
Springfield Comprehensive Plan. Those actions require joint considerations by the Planning
Commissions (and ultimately joint adoption by City Council and the Lane County Board of
County Commissioners).
Jared explained that since two of Willamalane’s properties, Harvest Landing and Thurston Hills
Natural Area, are outside of Springfield’s Urban Growth Boundary and solely within Lane
County’s land use jurisdiction they require separate consideration by the Lane County Planning
Commission and action by the Lane County Board of County Commissioners to adopt
Willamalane’s Comprehensive Plan as a special purpose plan within Lane County’s Rural
Comprehensive Plan. This is accomplished by adding a minor text amendment to Lane Code
16.400(4)(b) Special Purpose Plan as presented in the PowerPoint slides. The codified list is the
appropriate place to note Willamalane’s 2023 Plan as opposed to the limited examples listed in
the Rural Comprehensive Plan document.
4 – Testimony from interested parties:
Testimony from the applicant: Colin McArthur, Applicant Representative: gave a PowerPoint
presentation (attached) to provide testimony on why Willamalane’s 2023 Comprehensive Plan
and associated plan amendments meet the applicable approval criteria.
In Favor – None
Neutral – None
Against – None
5 – Clarifying questions from Commissioners:
Commissioner Schmunk: The 2023 Plan appears to be derived from the 2012 Comprehensive
Plan document and the 2021 DEI Strategic Action Plan. Are those the two primary documents
Willamalane used to create the 2023 Plan?
Colin McArthur / Applicant Representative: confirmed that the current 2023 Plan updates the
2012 Comprehensive Plan and its appendices. It’s one document separated into two parts
(main narrative and the appendices). The DEI informed the Comprehensive Plan process but is
not adopted as part of the 2023 Plan.
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Kristina Boe / Willamalane Staff: The DEI Strategic Action Plan is referenced often since it is the
most recent document adopted by the Board of Directors along with a number of park master
plans and other plans the Board has adopted that were considered in the process. The 2023
Plan integrates priorities from the Strategic Action Plan document and others.
Commissioner Schmunk: With regard to the DEI Strategic Action Plan, did Willamalane consider
any opinions that were not in support of DEI or DEI goals or of the 2023 Plan? It appears that
the DEI Strategic Action Plan is referenced in the 2023 Plan more than any other document and
is a significant impact to the 2023 Plan.
Kristina Boe / Willamalane Staff: Because the DEI Strategic Action Plan was the most recently
adopted Plan by the Board, we integrated it so that all plans adopted by the Board are
consistent with one another. We did not critique the DEI Strategic Action Plan as part of the
Comprehensive Plan.
Commissioner Schmunk: The goals of the DEI document appear to be one-sided and not
balanced. The 2023 Plan does not acknowledge criticisms of the DEI Strategic Action Plan.
When the DEI was being considered, did someone present an alternate view to the DEI as it is
presented? Why were criticisms of DEI policy not acknowledged?
Colin McArthur / Applicant Representative: pointed out that the DEI Strategic Action Plan is not
part of the adoption package and this line of questioning is not relevant to the criteria of
approval. This is something that he would be more than happy to discuss after the meeting has
been concluded. We are not asking for the DEI Plan to be adopted.
Commissioner Schmunk: When Willamalane presented the 2023 Plan to those in support of
DEI, did Willamalane present an alternate view of DEI or present the 2023 Plan to people who
may have alternative views to DEI?
Michael Wargo / Willamalane: The DEI Strategic Action Plan was unanimously approved. We
opened it up to public comment and we did not receive any opposition. There were multiple
opportunities for community members to voice their opinion about the DEI Strategic Action
Plan and we received no negative comments about it. We held multiple town halls about this
with underserved members of our population and with the general population. Our mission
itself is to deliver exceptional parks and recreation to enrich the lives of everyone we serve
(emphasis on everyone). We gave everyone an opportunity to voice opposition to DEI and have
not had any.
Kenny Weigandt / WIllamalane: informed the Commissioners that Willamalane reached out to
3,800 community members through a statistically valid survey, open survey, and other events.
The feedback was collected and with the support of a consultant they created an informed
plan. The DEI Strategic Action Pan helps us make sure we have materials in English and Spanish,
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that we are not just reaching people only at Willamalane events but at the Springfield Public
Library or with the School District so people do not have to always come to us.
Commissioner Schmunk: From what the 2023 Plan document presents, the public would not
have gotten a fair view of the implications of the DEI Strategic Action Plan, such as intentionally
overlooking certain people.
Eric Adams / Willamalane: pointed out that Willamalane took particular care of bringing
Willamalane’s Community Engagement Plan to the Springfield Committee for Citizen
Involvement (CCI), which was unanimously approved. Willamalane continued to inform the
Planning Commission/CCI of these approved efforts.
6 – Close or continue the hearing
Springfield Chair Rhoads-Dey: Closed the public hearing.
Lane County Chair Choates: Closed the public the hearing.
7 – Hold or open the Planning Commission Record
Springfield Chair Rhoads-Dey: Closed the public record.
Lane County Chair Choates: Closed the public record.
8 – Deliberations
Springfield Vice Chair Buck: moved to recommend adoption of the Willamalane 2023
Comprehensive Plan as presented in the packet as Attachment A.
Springfield Commissioner Webber: seconded the motion.
Springfield Chair Rhoads-Dey: expressed that Springfield’s parks are really spectacular. Wanted
to know if the Commission could wait to approve the Comprehensive Plan until the SDC fees
were agreed upon.
Kristina Kraaz / Springfield: informed the Commissioners that a recommendation to the City
Council to weigh in to Willamalane’s System Development Charges (SDC) fee rates is not within
the scope of Planning Commission’s action on the 2023 Plan item. The City Council does not
have approval authority over Willamalane’s SDC fees. Willamalane sets its own SDC fee
schedules.
Springfield roll call vote:
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Rhoads-Dey – Aye
Buck – Aye
Thompson – Aye
Schmunk – No
Stout – Aye
Webber – Aye
Motion passes – 4 / 1 / 2 Absent
Lane County Commissioner Kashinsky: moved that the Planning Commission recommend that
the Lane County Board of County Commissioners approve 509-PA-05048 as presented.
Lane County Commissioner Hankes: seconded the motion.
Lane County Commissioner Dignam: expressed intent to support the motion. Emphasized
agreement that Willamalane operates at a gold metal standard. As a resident of rural Lane
County, has been impressed with sense of safety and cleanliness of Willamalane’s facilities.
Lane County roll call vote:
Choate – Aye
Lay – Aye
Dignam – Aye
Hankes – Aye
Kashinsky – Aye
Motion passes – 5 / 0 / 4 Absent
Chair Rhoads-Dey closed the Regular Session.
Chair Choate closed the Regular Session.
ADJOURNMENT – 7:39 p.m.